We often think that successful people plan their careers in advance and then work toward their goals in a very logical, sequential manner. Although some successes are designed and implemented this way, others are created through insight, preparedness, and taking advantages of opportunities as they arise.

Assignment
1. Form teams of four to six members. Identify three people to interview about their careers. One person should be in the early stages of his or her career, one should be in midcareer, and one should be in the final stages of his or her career.
2. Ask each person to identify his or her career goals and how they have changed or are expected to change over time.
3. Ask each person to describe the sequence of events that led to where he or she is. How well does that story align with the traditional model of careers?
4. Ask each person what (if anything) he or she would do differently. Ask what advice he or she has for you about how to approach your career.